Solihull Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Solihull poster

Every year in Solihull, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of West Midlands we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Solihull?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these celebrations so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by following this quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light bonfires on the 5th of November to be thankful for.

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, there is a large bonfire and a firework display.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Common traditions are here:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on the Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What are you going to wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes for Bonfire Night.

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to travel here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Solihull Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Solihull Bonfire Night